“With rare exceptions, all of your most important achievements on this planet will come from working with others—or, in a word, partnership.” – Paul Farmer
At the University of Washington School of Nursing, we know that advancing health outcomes for all children requires more than academic rigor—it demands deep, committed and reciprocal collaboration. Our November 13 Lunch & Learn with Drs. Debra Ridling and Elaine Walsh of the Seattle Children’s Center for Pediatric Nursing Research (CPNR) showcased exactly why academic-clinical research partnerships are not just beneficial, but essential for shaping the future of nursing science.
Why Partnerships Matter
The Seattle Children’s Center for Pediatric Nursing Research exemplifies a model where research is woven into the fabric of clinical nursing care. Their mission is clear: to advance equitable pediatric health outcomes through innovative, nurse-led research. This is not research for research’s sake—it is research that transforms practice, improves patient and family experiences, and addresses pressing health disparities. By leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations, CPNR fosters a culture of inquiry that empowers nurses at every career stage to lead studies and disseminate findings.
For UW School of Nursing faculty and students, this partnership opens doors to real-world impact. From onboarding processes that integrate our BSN, DNP, and PhD students into clinical research teams, to mentoring opportunities with nurse scientists, the collaboration ensures that academic learning translates into bedside innovation. This synergy strengthens both institutions: clinical partners gain access to cutting-edge evidence-based practices, while UW scholars engage in research that is deeply relevant to patient care.
A Model of Innovation and Impact
Though only one small measure of impact, their metrics speak volumes. Since 2014, CPNR has funded 71 grants, supported dozens of research projects, and published over 20 peer-reviewed articles. These studies are not abstract—they tackle urgent acute care pediatric questions. For example, research on temperature measurement in critically ill neonates informs safer monitoring practices in NICUs. Investigations into sleep-disordered breathing in children with Down syndrome highlight the need for early diagnosis and intervention. Projects addressing care coordination for rural infants with complex heart disease underscore the importance of equity in access to specialized care.
These are exactly the kinds of inquiries that change lives and they have inspired many early career investigators to pursue research studies in this setting. They also illustrate why our UW School of Nursing strategic priority to “increase research productivity and impact” must include robust, trusting and reciprocal clinical partnerships. When research derives directly from the realities of patient care, its relevance and adoption accelerate.
Creating Pathways for Future Scholars
Another hallmark of this model is its commitment to developing nurse scientists. Through generous intramural grants, academic partnerships, and fellowship programs, CPNR invests in the next generation of researchers. Nine RNs have enrolled in or completed PhD or postdoctoral training, and faculty from University of Washington and other institutions actively collaborate on projects. This pipeline ensures that nursing research remains dynamic, diverse, and responsive to evolving health needs.
Looking Ahead
The future is bright—and ambitious. CPNR’s strategic plan includes funding for three dedicated nurse scientists, innovation projects with potential for commercialization, and expanded academic-clinical partnerships. Engaging in these initiatives could help to positioning this partnership as leaders in translational research and equity-driven care.
Why This Matters for UW
This partnership is more than a collaboration; it is a blueprint for how nursing schools can amplify their impact. By aligning with clinical partners who share our values of compassion, excellence, and innovation, we create a research ecosystem where ideas move swiftly from theory to practice. Together, we are not only advancing science—we are improving lives.
As we reflect on this session, one message stands out: when academia and clinical practice unite, the possibilities for discovery and transformation are limitless. For UW School of Nursing, this is not just an opportunity—it is a responsibility. And with partners like Seattle Children’s, we are ready to lead the way. To learn more about how to engage in research with Seattle Children’s Center for Pediatric Nursing Research, please feel free to reach out to the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation and we’ll be happy to help you navigate the opportunities.